Private sector urged to install thermal scanners

On high alert: A health officer observing people’s temperature profile on a thermal scanner as they arrive at the Boustead Cruise Centre in Pulau Indah, Klang.
— Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The private sector has been encouraged to install thermal scanners at their premises, especially at the main entrance of buildings as this will help curtail the spread of Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) infections.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said at present, the Health Ministry has 80 thermal scanners at international gateways throughout the country, and this number is sufficient for now.

“Although these machines are quite expensive, costing RM40,000 (each), we encourage the private sector to install them, for instance, hotels, as this could help us (the government),” he said at a press conference after launching the Malaysian Society of Hypertension 17th Scientific Congress here yesterday.

On the cooperation between the Health Ministries of Malaysia and Singapore on curbing Covid-19, Dr Lee said the first meeting of the Joint Working Committee will be announced next week.

“I am planning to go to Singapore or Johor Baru, but I have to look at the schedule of both parties,” he said.Separately, Dr Lee said the Health Ministry was aiming to reduce the salt content in Malaysian food by 15%, as is outlined in the Salt Intake Reduction Strategy 2015-2020.

“The ministry is conducting a study into the negative effects of sodium or salt in Malaysian food, as well as conducting an ongoing programme on hypertension,” he said.

Dr Lee added that to achieve this target, food producers and providers must also reduce the use of salt in the food they serve.

The congress was attended by about 500 local and foreign delegates to discuss various issues relating to tackling hypertension. — Bernama